Story By Jason Bowen
North Jackson football standout Diego Holt had interest from several colleges, but in the end he received just one offer.
And now he’s going to do his best to prove that offering team — Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee — was right.
Holt recently signed with the Wildcats during a signing ceremony at North Jackson High School.
“I really didn’t have no other offers really. I talked to a couple of schools, but Bethel was really the only school that gave me a for sure offer,” Holt said. “I just felt like they wanted me there and also felt it could be a great opportunity for me. I think it’s going to be fun, exciting and more opportunities for me to learn, also just more challenges to make me better as a football player and as a person.”
Holt was a four-year starting running back and linebacker for the Chiefs and capped his North Jackson playing career with an all-state senior season. He was a 2024 ASWA Class 4A second-team all-state running back selection after rushing for more than 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season, rushing for 1,650 yards and 26 touchdowns on 217 carries over 11 games along with 91 tackles on defense. Holt was also the 2024 Jackson County Co-Player of the Year and was the Class 4A Region 8 Most Valuable Player while helping the Chiefs go 8-3 and win their first region championship since the 2018 season.
Holt finished his North Jackson career with 4,118 career rushing yards and 56 career touchdowns.
“Diego was the heart and soul of our football team,” said North Jackson head coach Joe Hollis Jr. “Our football team kind of took on his personality. He worked hard and loved the offseason stuff and what it took to get better.”
Holt said Bethel coaches are planning to play him on both sides of the football.
“There going to try me on both sides of the ball and see where I best fit for them,” Holt said, “but to me it really doesn’t matter to me, I’m just trying to play some college ball.”
Bethel is an NAIA program that plays in the Mid-South Conference. The Wildcats went 7-3 last season.
Hollis said Bethel won’t be disappointed by the Holt’s efforts.
“One of his goals was to play college football. He doesn’t have certain measurables, but he found a place that appreciated what he can do,” Hollis said. “He’s just winner. He’s what I think of as a North Jackson Chief. He’s as good a football player we’ve had here in my 12 years here.”
Holt said he is proud to have played for North Jackson and helped the Chiefs return to the top of their region this past season.
“I loved all of it,” Holt said. “The best thing was for me was just seeing my team work doing the summer — it was just something special like out of a movie, just everyone showing up smiling, laughing and just trying to get better and everyone coming together as a team. It’s so hard to get 45 to 50 guys bought in to one thing, but we did it and it paid off. I’m just glad us seniors put North Jackson back on track.”
